Liquid flow system and apparatus



June 30, 1953 A. u. BRYANT 2,643,670

' LIQUID FLOW SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

Filed Nov. 14, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet l IN V EN TOR 4us/in U firs an I wag/4w June 30, 1953 A. u. BRYANT 2,643,670

LIQUID FLOW SYSTEM AND'APPARATUS Filed NOV. 14, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 30, 1953 Filed Nov. 14, 1950 A. u. BRYANT 2,643,670

LIQUID FLOW SYSTEM AND APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR. 4052977 U firgan/ HTTOR/VE Y5 June 30, 1953 BRYANT 2,643,670

LIQUID FLOW SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Nov. 14, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR. I flush/7 1/. firganf ATTORNE'VS June 30, 1953 U, BRYAN 2,643,670

LIQUID FLOW SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Nov. 14, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 HEB- m i 'INVHVTOR;

@ 32214122377 Ufirgam I /09 p Flag FllllU- Patented June 30, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LIQUID FLOW SYSTEIVI AND APPARATUS Austin U. Bryant, Berkeley, Calif., assignor to Grove Regulator Company, Oakland, Calif., a corporation of California Application November 14, 1950, Serial No. 195,580

5 Claims. (Cl. 137-393) This invention relates generally to liquid flow control systems including one or more elevated liquid storage tanks operatively associated with one or more liquid flow pipe lines. The invention also pertains to apparatus suitable for use in such systems.

In many industrial plants it is desirable to control flow of liquid through one or more pipe lines in response to the level of liquid stored in one or more elevated tanks. The pipe line may be connected to supply liquid to the tank, or to related equipment which one desires to: control in accordance with the tank liquid level. As a typical example a pump may be connected by a pipe line to discharge water or other liquid into an elevated tank. Liquid may be withdrawn or discharged from the tank intermittently or at a varying rate, whereby the level in the tank may occasionally fall below a desired minimum level. Under such conditions it is desirable to open the pump line to discharge liquid into the tank and thus build up the liquid level. While it is possible to control flow control means; by the use of a float controlled valve, apparatus of this type is frequently objectionable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a flow control system of the above character having novel means for securing automatic operation, and which does not require the use of a float or like apparatus installed in the tank.

Additional objects of the invention will appear from the following description in which the pre ferred embodiments have been shown in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

Referring to the drawing:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating one type of system incorporating the present invention.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic drawing illustrating another system incorporating the present invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional detail illustrating valve apparatus suitable for use in my system.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional detail taken along the line 4--4 of Figure 3.

Figure 9 is a front view of the device shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is'a view like Figure 8 but showing anotherarrangement for the same purpose.

The system illustrated in Figure 1 consists of a liquid flow line H! which is connected to, or is in some way associated with the elevated liquid tank H. In a typical instance the pipe "I may extend from a pump or other source or liquid under pressure, and may be connected to directly or indirectly discharge liquid intothe tank l'l'. Inserted in the pipe line H] there is a valve I2 which is preferably of the type adapted be operated by application of fluid pressure to effect opening and closing of the same. A valve which is particularly well adapted for this purpose is disclosed in Bryant 2,353,143 and Grove 2,360,873. A valve of this type, known by the trade name of Grove Flexflo, makes use of a tube formed of resilient rubber which surrounds an inner core. A closed jacket chamber is provided about the tube and is adapted to receive fluid pressure from the inlet side of the valve, or from an independent source. The core forms a barrier whereby when the tube is collapsed it provides a tight shutoff, and when fluid pressure is Vented from the chamber surrounding the tube, inlet pressure expands the tube to permit flow around the barrier. The two indicated points'of connection (i. e. connecting posts) I and J of the valve I2 represent connections to the inlet passage of the valve, and to the jacket chamber surrounding the lower portion of the pipe 13, connects with a bleed orifice l5a which can discharge to the atmosphere as indicated.

Pipe line l4 connects with pressure responsive pilot valve apparatus designated generally at l6.

Figure 5 is an end view of the apparatus i1' 45 The apparatus l6 in this instance consists of a lustrated in Figure 3. small slide valve H, which is held in one operat- Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating a ing position by the latch means 'Ihe latch simplified form of apparatus incorporating the means is associated with the pressure operated invention. 50 means l9 for releasing the same. I Figure '7 is a schematic view illustrating The plunger valve ll can beer the general type another simplified form of the invention. disclosed in copend ng applldamgl'l Serial No. Figure 8 is an enlarged detail in side elevation 3,728 filed January 22, 194?, and entitled Valve showing a device attached to the upper end of Constructmn. However any convent onal slide the vertical control pipe of certain embodiments M valve can be employed for this purpose. It is of the apparatus.

shown provided with four points of connection 3 (i. e. connecting posts) A, B, C and D. For one position of the operating member 2!, point A is in communication with point B, but point D is shut off from communication with C. For the other operating position communication between A and B is interrupted, while C and D are placed in communication. Pipes 22 and 23 serve to connect the slide valve ll to the points of connection I and J of the valve l2 as illustrated. Thus for the first position of the operating member 2i, line fluid from I is applied to pipe 23 and through pipe 22 to the chamber about the rubber tube of the valve l2. Under such conditions the valve [2 is closed to pressure applied to its inlet passage. For the other operating positions of the valve ll, pipe 22 vents to the atmosphere through the communicating connections C and D, while at the same time its communication with pipe 23 is interrupted. Thus pressure is removed from the rubber tube of the valve l2, thus permitting the tube to expand and flow to occur past the barrier.

The latch means 18 and pressure responsive means it can be constructed as follows: Member 2| is urged in one direction by the compression spring 26, and it is provided with a latch collar 2'l. A pivoted latch 28 has a shoulder 29 adapted to engage the collar 27. The other extremity 3i of the latch lever is engaged by a collar 32 which is mounted upon the rod 33. The collar 32 and rod 33 are urged in one direction by the compression spring 34. The rod 33 is attached to a pressure operated diaphragm carried within the diaphragm mounting 3G. The closed pressure chamber upon one side of the diaphragm is connected to the pipe l4 through the shutoff valve 31. It is also desirable in this connecting pipe to provide a bleed-oil valve 38, and a pressure gauge 39. Also point D can be connected to an adjustable vent orifice Ml.

Operation of the system and apparatus described above is as follows: Normally the parts are positioned as illustrated in Figure l, with the latch lever 28 engaged under the collar 21 to retain the plunger valve member 21 in the position illustrated. Under such conditions the points of connection A and B of the slide valve are in communication, and pressure from the inlet connection I is applied through pipes 22 and 23 to the jacket chamber about the rubber tube of the valve l2. The upper end of the at the level 41. When water is above this level a continuous flow occurs downwardly through the pipe l3 and through the bleed orifice a. A substantial liquid pressure head is applied through the pipe [4 corresponding generally to the vertical height of the pipe l3. This pressure is sufficient when applied to the diaphragm or" mounting 3G to resist the pressure of spring 34, whereby the latch lever 28 remains latched with the collar 21. In the event the liquid level in the tank falls below the level 4!, air is admitted to the pipe 13, thereby interrupting maintenance of pressure in the pipe Hi so that the resulting reduced control pressure permits spring 34 to operate the latch lever 28 to release collar 21. This causes valve member 2| to move to its other operating position, cation between A and B, and establishing communication between C and D. Discharge of liquid from the jacket chamber surrounding the rubber tube of thevalve l2 permits this valve to open under applied inlet pressure. Adjustment of the vent orifice 40 serves to adjust the rate with which the valve i2 is permitted to open.

After the apparatus has been tripped as depipe i3 is thus interrupting communiscribed above, it is necessary to reset it manually. This can be done as follows: Assuming that the level in the tank has been re-estab-lished above the level 41 to again maintain the pipe l3 filled with liquid, the valve 31 can be temporarily closed and valve 38 opened to vent liquid and thus remove application of pressure on the diaphragm. Thereafter the valve member 21 is moved to itsengaged position manually, valve 38 is closed and valve 3'! opened to apply the control pressure. Application of the control pressure permits latch 28 to return to its engaged position, after which the valve member 2i can be released for retention by the latch. During normal operation, and also during such resetting of the apparatus, the gauge 39 can be noted in order to determine whether or not control pressure is being applied by way of pipes 13 and Hi.

In the system of Figure 2 the equipment employed is the same as in Figure 1, except that the parts, other than the valve 12, have been duplicated. The two slide valves corresponding to the slide valve ll of Figure l have been designated flu and Ilb. Piping serves to connect both of these valves with the points of connection I and J of the valve l2. Thus pipe 42 leading from I connects with the point A of valve llb Pipe 43 connects A and B of valves Na and llb Piping id, 46, ll and 38 connects point J of valve l2 with C of ill), and points C and B of Ila. Points D of valves Na and llb are connected by pipes 49, 5| with a small adjustable bleed orifice 52.

The apparatus of Figure 2 operates in the same general manner as Figure 1, except that the valve I2 is automatically operated responsive to the condition of either one of the tanks H. Thus if valve Ila, should be tripped, communication of pipe 42 through both valves ill) and Ila with the pipes ll and 43 is interrupted, and pipes 44 and 46 are vented to the atmosphere through the orifice 52. This orifice can be adjusted to control the rate of opening. Similarly, if valve H1) is tripped, pressure from pipe 42 is no longer applied to the chamber about the rubber tube of valve l2, but this chamber is vented through the orifice 52.

Figures 3 to 5 inclusive illustrate suitable apparatus corresponding to the apparatus [6 of Figure 1. Briefly this apparatus consists of a body BI which is bored to accommodate the diaphragm rod 62. A diaphragm mounting flange 63 is carried by body GI, and in conjunction with the flanged cover 66, forms a mounting for the flexible operating diaphragm 66. A plate 61 extends over one side of the diaphragm GB, and is engaged by one end of the rod 62. A sleeve also engages the plate 61 and forms means for limiting movement of the diaphragm in one direction. Passage 68 is provided for making connection with the chamber 69 on the upper side of the diaphragm. A tubular member H is mounted upon the other end of body BI, and forms a housing for the compression spring 12. One end of this spring engages a collar 13 which is secured to the rod 62, and the other end engages a thrust member 14, which is adjustably held in position by the set screw 76-. Adjustment of this screw serves to adjust the tripping pressure.

One side of the body Bl serves to mount the slide or plunger valve H, which corresponds to the valve ll of Figure 1. Briefly this valve comprises a body 18 which is bored to accommodate the valveplunger I9, and the various liner bushings ill, 82, 83 and 84. The flow connections A,

B, C and D provided in the body, communicate with suitable porting provided in the liner bushings just mentioned. A plurality of seal rings 86 to 90, as for example resilient O-rings, serve to establish the required seals between the valve plunger and the body. The plunger has portions 9| and 92 of reduced diameter to complete the necessary valve porting. For the position illustrated in Figure 4, A and B are in communication, while communication between C and D is interrupted. For the other operating position (not shown) the plunger is moved to the left from .the position shown in Figure 4 whereby communication between A and B is interrupted, and communication established between C and D.

One end of the plunger 19 extends into a bore 93, which is formed in the body 6|, and which accommodates the compression spring 94. I This spring engages a collar 96 on the plunger 19. The other exterior end of the plunger 19 is provided with a thrust cap 91 which engages the.

manually operated reset lever 98. This lever has a pivotal connection 99 with a mounting plate I00, the latter being carried by the body of the valve 11. When lever 98 is moved manually to the right as viewed in Figure 3, the plunger of the valve 11 is moved to the right to compress the spring 94.

The body BI is also slotted to accommodate the latch lever Iii I. This lever is carried by the pivot pin I92, and it has a projecting shoulder I93 adapted to engage the collar 93. The lever also has one end portion I99 in engagement with the collar 13. It will be evident that while the latch lever is in engagement with the collar 96, the plunger 19 of the valve 11 is held in one of its operating positions against the force of compression spring 94. Latch IIlI remains in such engaged position as long as sufficient force is applied by diaphragm 96 to offset the pressure of spring 12. When the pressure in chamber 69 is reduced to a point where the force applied by diaphragm 66 is substantially less than the force exerted by the spring 12, then the latch lever I 9| is rotated in a counterclockwise direction to release the collar 96 and thus permit the spring 94 to force the plunger 19 to its other operating position.

The apparatus of Figures 3-5 can be reset without first venting control pressure from chamber 69. Thus assuming that normal control pressure has been restored to chamber 69, movement applied to lever 98 serves to re-establish engagement between shoulder I93 and collar 96.

It is not necessary to make use of trigger or latch means for the operation of a pilot valve. In, many instances it is possible and desirable to utilize simplified forms of pressure operated valves. Such an arrangement is illustrated in Figure 6. In this instance the main flow control valve I95 is ofv the same type as described with reference to Figure l. The pipe line I96 in which the valve I95 is inserted, is shown having a branch connection I91 to the elevated tank I98. It is assumed that the inlet end of the pipe line I93 connects with a source of water or other liquid under pressure, and that one desires to open and close the valve I95 in response to changes in the level of liquid in tank I98. A control line I 99, corresponding to the line I3 of Figure l, connects with the tank and extends downwardly to the sediment trap III]. This trap is provided with a bleed orifice III, corresponding to the orifice I561 of Figure 1. Line H2 effect forms a valve seat.

leads from the trap I I9 and connects with the diaphragm operated pilot valve II 3. The diaphragm operator 4a of this pilot valve is connected to operate the slide valve 4. Pipes H5 and H6 connect the slide valve I I ito the connecting points J and I of the valve I05. The slide valve also has a vent pipe or passage II 1.

The diaphragm operator I Ida can consist of the flexible diaphragm H8 having a chamber II9 on one side of the same connected by. duct I20 with the pipe II2 as illustrated. Compression spring I2I urges the diaphragm against the controlling fluid pressure. The slide'valve II I can be of the O-ring type the same as disclosed with reference to Figures 3 to 5 inclusive, except that only three points of connection are provided. For one position of this slide valve pipes H5 and H6 are placed in communication whereby inlet pressure from I is applied to point J and to the chamber about the resilient rubber tube of the valve I05. For the other operating position the pipe H5 is vented through I I1, thus permitting discharge of liquid in the chamber about the resilient tube, whereby the tube is expanded by applied inlet pressure to open the same. At the same time flow through pipe I I6 is interrupted.

With the apparatus of Figure 6 the bleed orifice III is adjusted whereby a continual flow of liquid occurs downwardly through the control pipe I99, and whereby a substantial control pressure is normally maintained in the pipe H2 and in the chamber H9 above the diaphragm III Under such conditions the diaphragm H8 is flexed downwardly against the spring I 2| to hold the valve I I l in one operating position. For this operating position the valve I05 is maintained closed. When the liquid level in the tank I98 falls below the upper open end of the pipe I09, a column of liquid is no longer maintained in the pipe I99, and therefore the pressure in chamber I I9 is substantially reduced to permit the spring IZI to flex the diaphragm I I8 upwardly as illustrated in Figure 6. This serves to move the pilot valve 114 in its other operating position, thereby venting. pipe II5 and causing the valve I to open with applied inlet pressure. Opening of the valve I95 can replenish the liquid in the tank I98 by upward flow through the pipe I01.

Figure .7 illustrates another arrangement which is particularly adapted for throttling control. In this instance a regulator type pilot I23 is' connected to the line H2. As diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 7, this pilot can consist of a body I29 which serves to mount the diaphragm- I29. The diaphragm is urged in one direction by the compression spring I21, and the loading thereby obtained can be adjusted by turning the screw I29. A yoke I29 connects the diaphragm with a movable valve member I31. This valve member is adapted to cooperate with the end portion I32 of the inlet pipe I33, which in The space I34 is connected to the pipe I I2.

The pipe I33 01 the pilot regulator is preferably connected with the valve I95 as follows:

Pipes I36 and I31 are provided with adjustable flow restricting orifices I38 and I39, and both connect with the pipe I 33.

When no flow oc-. curs through pipe I33 full inlet pressure is ap- 7 chamber about the resilient tube. In a typical instance the reduced pressure thus established in the valve I permits partial expansion of the resilient tube thereby permitting a flow rate of corresponding value. 7

To describe the operation of Figure 7 as a whole, first assume that the level of liquid in the tank I08 is sufflcient to completely submerge the upper end of the control pipe I019. Under such conditions continual downflow occurs through the pipe I09 and bleed orifice I I I, and sufficient pressure is maintained in pipe I I2 whereby this pressure acting upon the diaphragm I26 maintains the valve member [3| sealed against the valve seat I32. Thus full inlet pressure is applied from I to J and the valve I05 is maintained closed. When the water level in tank I03 drops below the upper end of the pipe I09, all of the water flows out of this pipe and consequently the pressure in pipe H2 is reduced to atmospheric. Under such conditions the spring I2'I moves the valve member I32 to full open position, thus permitting pipe I32 to vent into the chamber I34, and from thence through pipe H2 and orifice III. Liquid from the chamber about the resilient tube of valve I05 is vented through pipe I36 and orifice I38, thereby permitting the resilient tube to expand under applied inlet pressure to substantially full open position. For intermediate levels, when the upper open end of pipe I09 is partially submerged, a liquid column is maintained in pipe I09 which has its upper level below the upper end of the pipe, but of sufllcient height to maintain substantial pressure in the sediment trap I I0. Under such conditions the pressure in chamber 134 assumes an intermediate value whereby the valve member I3I assumes a partly open position. The controlled venting which thus occurs through pipe I33 causes some continual flow of inlet pressure through the orifice I39, whereby the pressure applied to pipe I36 and to the chamber about theresilient tube is of such value that the tube is permitted to partially but not fully expand. Thus with such an operating condition some flow may occur through the valve I05, and this throttled flow when applied to the line I0! can be sufficient to maintain the level in tank I08 substantially constant.

In the apparatus of Figure '7 it will be noted that for intermediate throttling positions, and also for full open conditions, a continual venting of liquid occurs from I through the pipe I33. This liquid must flow through pipe I I2 and the bleed orifice I I I, together with liquid flowing downwardly through the control pipe I09. Therefore the bleed orifice III must be adjusted or proportioned accordingly.

Instead of making use of a single pipe connection to the tank, the upper end of the control pipe I09 can connect with the tank by the use of special means such as illustrated in Figures 8 to inclusive.

In Figures 8 and 9 the upper end of the pipe I09 is connected to a device I II which provides a passage enlarged in a vertical direction and which communicates with the interior of the tank through the vertically extending port I42. This port can be screened over as illustrated. When the port I42 is partially submerged, the amount of liquid flowing through the same is insufficient to maintain the pipe I09 completely filled with liquid. Therefore under such conditions the liquid in pipe I09 seeks a level depending upon the flow rate through the port I42, and which level determines the pressure maintained in the pipe I I2. As shown in Figure 10 the upper end of the pipe I09 can also be connected with two branch pipes I43 and I44, which are at difierent levels and which communicate with the interior of the tank I08. The use of two or more pipes in this manner likewise facilitates throttling action in substantially the same manner as the arrangement of Figures 3 and 9. Devices as shown in Figures 8-10 can be used to advantage with the arrangements of Figures 6 and 7.

I claim:

1. In a liquid flow control system including an elevated liquid storage tank and a main liquid flow line, valve means adapted to control flow of liquid through said line, operating means for said valve means including a chamber adapted to receive fluid under pressure to control operation of the same, a dependin pipe line having its upper end connected to said tank, a bleed orifice communicating with the lower end of said pipe line and through which liquid is adapted to continuously bleed when the upper end of the pipe line is immersed by liquid in the tank, ported means connected to the upper end of the pipe line for flow of liquid from the tank to said line, said means providing flow communication over a vertical distance substantially greater than the flow passage through the pipe, and a pressure connection from the lower portion of said pipe lineto said chamber.

2. In a liquid flow control system including an elevated liquid storage tank and a main liquid flow line, a valve in said flow line adapted to control flow of liquid therethrough, said valve having a chamber adapted to receive fluid under pressure to cause closing of the valve, a pilot valve having connection to a source of fluid under pressure and also a connection with the chamber of said valve, said pilot valve being movable between one operating position in which fluid pressure is applied to said chamber and a second operating position in which pressure is vented from said chamber to cause opening of said valve, means for continuously urging said pilot valve toward said second named position, latch means for retaining said pilot valve in said first named position, fluid pressure responsive means for releasing said latch means, a depending pipe line having its upper end communicating with said tank, a bleed orifice communicating with the lower end of said pipe lin and through which liquid is continuously bled while the upper end of the pipe line is immersed by liquid in the tank, and a pipe line communicating from the lower end of said control pipe and connected to said pressure responsive means.

3. In a liquid flow control system including an elevated liquid storage tank and a main liquid flow line, a valve in said flow line adapted to control flow of fluid therethrough, said valve hav ing a chamber adapted to receive fluid under pressure to cause closing of the valve, a pilot valve having connection to a source of fluid under pressure and also a connection with the chamber of said valve, said pilot valve being movable between a first operating position in which fluid pressure is applied to said chamber and a second operating position in which pressure is vented from said chamber to cause opening of said valve, spring means for continuously urging said pilot valve toward said second position, fluid pressure means for urging said pilot valve to said first position, a depending pipe line having its upper end communicating with said tank, a bleed oriflce communicating with the lower end of said pipe through the pipe, and a pipe line communicating from the lower end of said depending pipe line and connected to said fluid pressure means of said pilot valve.

4. In a liquid flow control system including an elevated liquid storage tank and a main liquid flow line, a valve in said flow line adapted to control flow of liquid therethrough, said valve having a chamber adapted to receive fluid under pressure to control operation of said valve, means including a flow restricting orifice connecting said chamber to the inlet side of said valve, a pilot valve adapted to vent said connecting means, said pilot valve being normally urged toward venting position and urged by pressure responsive means toward closed position, a depending pipe line having its upper end communicating with said tank, a bleed orifice communicating with the lower end of said pipe line and through which liquid is continuously bled while th upper end of the pipe line is immersed by liquid in the tank, and a pipe line communicating from the lower end of said control pipe and connected to said pressure responsive means, said pilot valve venting said connecting means into said pressure responsive means.

5. In a liquid flow control system including an elevated liquid storage tank and a main liquid flow line, a valve in said flow line adapted to control flow of liquid therethrough, said valve having a chamber adapted to receive fluid under pressure to cause closing of the valve, means for connecting through a flow restricting orifice the inlet side of said line to said chamber, a pressure operated pilot valve for venting said connecting means into a control chamber provided with flexible diaphragm means for controlling the pilot valve, a depending pipe line having its upper end communicating with said tank, a bleed orifice comunicating with the lower end of said pipe lines and through which liquid is continuouslybled while the upper end of the pipe line is immersed by liquid in the tank, and a pipe line communicating from the lower end of said pipe to said control chamber, whereby when the pilot valve is closed the control chamber is supplied only with the pressure provided by the lower end of the pipe line and when the pilot valve is open the control chamber is supplied with a combination 01": that fluid pressure and the fluid pressure provided by the venting of said connecting means.

AUSTIN U. BRYANT.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 254,944 Evans Mar. 14, 1882 1,188,112 Temple June 20, 1916 2,171,394 Christian Aug. 29, 1939 2,178,866 Thomas Nov.v 7, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 90,044 Sweden 1937 

